Churches Conservation Trust and DCMS visit Middle Street synagogue

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage was delighted to host a special visit to the historic Grade II* listed Middle Street Synagogue in Brighton, welcoming executives from the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Local Jewish historian Michelle Cooperman gave a tour of the synagogue, presenting the history of the Brighton Jewish community and the building itself, while also pointing out and explaining the synagogue’s unique features.

It was a visit arranged by Greg Pickup, the Chief Executive of CCT, following on from earlier meetings at two of their important churches in the Brighton and Hove area.

The group found it fascinating to compare the appearance and design of the synagogue to the churches that they were more familiar with. They were also very interested to learn about the plans for the future development of the synagogue site as a cultural and educational centre.

Joining Greg from CCT were Jane Jones-Warner, Dean Wigzell and Nick Watts. Present from DCMS were Christabel Austin, Vicky Smith, Hannah Jones and Daisy Williams.

The Foundation for Jewish Heritage was represented by Chief Executive Michael Mail, Projects Director Amanda Newman and our new Operations Manager, Rachel Heller.